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HRS §268-1.5

Letting private companies run ferries instead of the state

The state transportation department can choose to hire a private company to run a ferry service instead of running it itself. But it must first advertise for bids and follow the state's procurement rules. This section only allows that choice; it does not set other details.

businessesstate agencies

The statute, as written — Private ferry or ferry system; authority to provide

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the department, in lieu of establishing the Hawaii State Ferries, an inter-island or intra-island ferry or ferry system operated and maintained by the State under the provisions of the chapter, may enter into a contract, lease, or other agreement with any person to provide for a privately operated ferry or ferry system; provided that no contract, lease, or other agreement shall be made except under contract let after public advertisement for sealed tenders, subject to the provisions under chapter 103D.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.